Something for Sunday

Yep, it's that time of year. "Back to School!" The summer went by way too fast. Doesn't it always? Well, not exactly when I was a kid. Way back then, summers seemed to last a really long time. Maybe it was because we didn't do anything or go anywhere. We had day camp, but I don't remember how long that was--maybe a month or so. 

Did I ever tell you about the time that Ronnie and I spent our swim lesson money on candy? At camp, they took us for swim lessons twice a week--Tuesdays and Thursdays. It was 25 cents each time. Instead, Ronnie and I stopped at "the little store" and spent it on candy. That was a lot of candy to eat in a single day, but boy was it good! Then we had to wet our swim suits and wrap them up in our towel. We weren't stupid. If you are going to commit a crime, it's in the details! We thought it all through. Back then, you better have your siding on your side, or they would tell on you. I don't remember whose idea it was to spend the money on candy. I would say "me" because I would do just about anything for candy. But, I was that oldest child who never did anything wrong. Mostly. I don't remember if the twins were accomplices and joined in with us. They must have because they were bg snitches. 

Anyway, we got a way with it----until---the end of summer when mo asked for our swim cards. At the end of each summer, they presented us with little cards saying how far we'd advance in our lessons. I do remember that I was the one to save us all---by telling a big, fat lie. I told mom that "they didn't give them out this year!" She bought it. I guess because I was that oldest, child, good kid who never dd anything wrong! But then, I had to go to confession and tell about the big fat lie. I completely understood why "crime doesn't pay!"

Okay, enough of the walk down memory lane. Another school year is upon us!! How about we start with a couple of throwbacks?

How darn cute are my little nieces, Devon and Madison?  They are twenty-somethings now. Darn, I should have looked for their lunchboxes at the lunchbox museum!

This is my sweet little niece, Reese. I think she is starting first grade. I can't really keep up with all the kids now. I don't know the story behind this. but it looks like the parents do this at school--maybe as a surprise for their kid. Love that idea. Wish I'd have thought of it when mine were "littles!"

Nathan is starting second grade--at least I think that's it. It's becoming harder and harder keeping up with the "littles" that aren't so little anymore!

Big brother, Travis is starting middle school. 

I don't even know what grade that is--maybe 5th?

Not exactly a first day of school picture, but...

...this little gal, Harper is going back with one less tooth!

And then we have Elizabeth who is so excited to get started at The Paul Mitchell School. 

Sadly, I didn't get a "first day of school" picture, but she did send me her lunchbox! 

I guess that counts! It is super cute!**

**Sandy sent me the picture later:

She's ready to get started!

With a move to UT--she's ready to start!

I hope Analise has the BEST year!

In the meantime, her brother is...

This boy! He's my favorite!! Meet Merritt, Connie's grand. I cannot believe he's all grown up! This is the first summer that I've only seen him one time. You know, teenager, driving, job! His voice is husky. He's not a kid anymore! It's like he grew up overnight! Still, he's fun and still takes my joking in stride. He doesn't know me any other way!

This little beauty, Grace, another of Connie's grands. I think she's starting her junior year.  

This handsome lad is Charlie--the youngest of Connie's grands. I'm pretty sure he's starting 8th grade. He and his sister, Grace, live in Atlanta, so I don't get to see them too often. Still, I always love the school pics.

How about a couple more throwbacks?

Quite a few years ago for Elizabeth and Victoria!

And then there's this:

Mitchell on his first day of adulthood! The first day of his new job!! (Turns out, his new boss pranked him. He did not have to wear suits to work!)

And last but not least--just about the cutest "back to school picture" ever!

I'm pretty sure I've posted this one before. But, it's worth repeating! What a clever mom! I love it!